Module Insertion Tool With Segmented Support Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for inserting microcircuit modules into housings face challenges in distributing pressing force effectively, leading to risks of dust trapping and module deformation, as they either trap dust or apply excessive pressure.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a support surface shaped to fit the module's footprint, featuring a circular outer contour and anti-static treatment, which circumscribes the suction cup to minimize dust trapping and evenly distribute force, while preventing rotation and ensuring the module's corners remain free from pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the bearing surface merges with the module surface to present the largest possible contact surface, then the pressing force is well distributed and low pressure is obtained, but dust is trapped between the bearing surface and module surface leading to detrimental marks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing force distributionVSAvoiddust trapping
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing surface is segmented into multiple discrete support points (studs) rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation reduces the total contact area to prevent dust trapping while still providing sufficient support points to distribute the pressing force adequately across the module surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support points are strategically positioned at specific locations on the module surface where local support is needed. This allows the pressing force to be distributed to critical areas while leaving other areas (particularly corners and edges) free from contact, preventing both dust trapping and module deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the support surface is reduced to a few isolated studs, then the risk of dust trapping is reduced, but greater pressure is applied leading to detrimental deformation of the module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust trapping riskVSAvoidmodule deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing surface is divided into multiple discrete support points distributed across the module surface. This segmentation allows the total pressing force to be divided into smaller forces at each contact point, reducing the pressure at any single location and preventing module deformation while still providing adequate support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple support points are combined to work together as a distributed support system. The collective effect of multiple low-pressure contact points provides sufficient overall support to prevent module deformation during insertion, while each individual contact point maintains low enough pressure to avoid localized damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stress or pressure

If a continuous bearing surface is used to distribute force evenly, then low pressure is achieved, but the surface area increases the risk of dust trapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure uniformityVSAvoidbearing surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous bearing surface is segmented into discrete support points, dramatically reducing the total contact area. This segmentation maintains force distribution benefits while eliminating the large continuous surface that traps dust, as the gaps between support points allow dust to pass through or be excluded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support is provided at specific local positions rather than across the entire surface. The support points are positioned to provide force distribution where needed while leaving the majority of the surface area free, thus achieving pressure uniformity at critical locations without the dust-trapping penalty of a large continuous bearing surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for precise, dust-reduced module insertion without deformation, ensuring effective contact and reducing the risk of damage during the insertion process.

Implementation Method 1

At one end of this pusher is arranged a module holding means such as a suction cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2733646B1Tool for inserting a module in a housing
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 OBERTHUR TECH SA
  • EP2733646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2733646B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The tool has a push rod (4) and a circular suction cup (5) placed at an end of the push rod to selectively maintain a module (3). A support unit (41) is placed at the same end of the push rod so as to be supported on the module. A bearing surface (42) of the support unit contacts with the module to leave corners of the module to be free. The module includes a flat surface, and the bearing surface is formed to be inscribed in a cavity of the module. The bearing surface is limited by a circular contour.